Anytime auto glass breaks, it means safety has been compromised. Hopefully, you’ve not been caught up in a crash or violent attack. But your safety is compromised even if it’s vandalism. So, be safe first, then clear the glass as soon as possible.
The best way to clean broken glass out of a car is to first assess the situation and prioritize safety. Park the car in a secure area to safely dispose of the glass. Then, protect your eyes and hands before handling the broken glass, so have gloves and goggles with you. Also, avoid stepping on the broken glass.
Here’s a more detailed guide on how to clean broken glass from your car.
Safety Precautions Before Cleaning
What caused your auto glass to shatter all over your car’s upholstery? There are many possible reasons, such as a car accident or vandalism. It could also be drastic changes in temperature, too much pressure on the glass, or even a manufacturing defect.
1. Park at a Safe Spot
Safety always comes first, especially if you’re in motion or away from your garage. If you were in motion, stop and park safely unless you have to flee from violence.
Try to park in a well-lit and public area, as it could discourage vandalism or theft attempts. Look for a flat surface and avoid windy spots so tiny glass shards won’t spread around.
2. Call the Police When Necessary
Immediately call the police in case there’s an accident or vandalism. Don’t clean out the broken car window before police arrive and collect evidence. If you suspect vandalism, ask the police to take fingerprints.
3. Take Pictures
Take pictures of the damaged areas to provide as evidence to your insurance provider. Help them better understand the severity of the damage and process your claim faster.
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Out Broken Auto Glass
Here are some tools and supplies that you’ll need to properly clean out broken auto glass:
1. Protective Gear
We’re emphasizing safety because we don’t want you to harm yourself while dealing with broken glass. Wear thick gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask to protect your skin from sharp edges, your eyes from debris, and your lungs from dust.
2. Broom and Dustpan
Glass breaks into big and tiny shards. Start with a broom, sweeping the huge glass pieces onto a dustpan and throwing them into a secure trash can. Don’t use trash bags because the glass pieces might just pierce through them.
3. Vacuum with a Hose Attachment
Another tool you’ll need is a vacuum with a hose attachment, which can effectively suck up the smaller glass pieces and dust. Without such a vacuum machine, you can easily miss some tiny glass pieces.
It’s very dangerous to use a regular vacuum cleaner without the hose attachment. The glass pieces may puncture or clog the machine, causing damage and potential injury.
4. Duct Tape or Packing Tape
You may also need some duct tape or packing tape. You need this tool especially when you don’t have access to a vacuum with a hose attachment. For example, your car windows or windshield may shatter when you’re far from home.
In such cases, you can use the packing tape or duct tape to cover the affected area and prevent any glass shards from falling off. It’s only a temporary solution, not a long-term fix. You can also utilize a plastic sheeting or a trash bag taped securely over the opening to protect the interior from weather and debris. Tape alone over a large hole wouldn’t be very effective.
5. Stiff Brush (for Carpets/Seats)
You’ll need a stiff brush to clean carpets or seats in your car. It helps to loosen any dirt or debris that may be embedded in the fibers, making it easier to vacuum up.
You can also use a stiff brush with some water and mild soap to spot clean any stains on your carpets or seats.
6. Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool to have in your car’s emergency kit. It can come in handy if you need to change a tire or check your engine at night.
In this case, you’ll need it if it’s dark and your car windows break or if you need to make yourself visible during an emergency.
A flashlight will also help spot hidden glass fragments from a broken window.
7. Damp Paper Towels or Microfiber Cloths
You’ll need damp paper towels or microfiber cloths to clean up any spills, wipe down surfaces, and remove dirt from your car’s interior.
These are essential for keeping your car clean and hygienic.
You can also use them with a cleaning solution to thoroughly clean any stains on your seats or carpets.
Microfiber cloths are especially useful as they are highly absorbent and won’t leave behind lint or streaks.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Up Glass from a Broken Car Window
By now, you already have the general gist, and I bet you feel confident enough to clean up all the shattered auto glass. But you can never be too careful or equipped for the job.
Here’s a quick step by step guide on how to properly handle the situation:
Step 1: Safety First
As always, safety should be your top priority. Before you start cleaning up the broken glass, make sure to put on some protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes. Prevent any glass shards from harming your hands, eyes, and feet.
Step 2: Start with the Large Glass Pieces
The easiest way to remove the largest glass pieces is by lifting them with your hands while wearing protective gloves. Place broken glass pieces into a sturdy, puncture-resistant container with a secure lid. Clearly label the container as ‘Broken Glass’ to alert others of its contents. This ensures safe handling and disposal.
Step 3: Sweep and Collect the Medium Sized Glass Pieces
Sweep the medium sized glass pieces with a broom and collect them with a dustpan. Be careful while sweeping so the glass doesn’t cut up your car’s upholstery or your hands.
Step 4: Use Tape to Lift Tiny Fragments
Sweeping won’t get rid of all the tiny fragments of glass, so use tape to pick up most of the remaining pieces. Simply wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side facing out and lightly press it onto the affected areas.
Be thorough enough during this step that you can safely drive to a better location for vacuuming.
Step 5: Vacuum the Entire Car Interior
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the entire interior of your car, especially around the areas where the glass was shattered. Vacuum floor mats, remove them, and vacuum where the mats were laying.
Vacuum every inch of the interior, including seats, dashboard, and any crevices or compartments. Take your time in this step to remove all the glass fragments.
Step 6: Wipe Down Surfaces
The minutest of glass fragments can find their way into the tiniest of crevices in your car. Moreover, an event where auto glass breaks causes a big mess in the car.
The tiny fragments of glass scatter around and settle on all surfaces inside your car. So, you need to meticulously wipe down all surfaces, including the doors, seats, dashboard, cup holders, and seat tracks.
Step 7: Use a Flashlight
What are the odds you missed some broken pieces of glass? The odds are highest when you have to do it in a poorly lit area.
Did you know that glass reflects light, and it can be hard to see in certain angles? A flashlight helps you to cast light from odd angles and helps you spot any remaining glass fragments.
Use a strong flashlight to ensure maximum visibility.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Glass from Car Carpets & Upholstery?
Easy, use a stiff brush to loosen embedded glass before vacuuming. Then, shake out floor mats outside the car for fabric seats. Then, use a vacuum with attachments to suck up any remaining glass fragments.
Do not forget to remove the detachable seat covers and wash them separately if needed. For leather seats, use a gentle cleaner and wipe them off with a soft cloth.
When to Call a Professional
In some cases, the damage caused by glass in car carpets and upholstery may be too severe to handle on your own. The glass could also be lodged in hard-to-reach areas, making it challenging to completely clean. In these cases, it is best to call a professional car cleaning or detailing service.
We recommend you call us anytime your auto glass breaks. We’re best suited to clean out all the broken glass and replace it with a new one. Our professionals have the necessary tools and experience to efficiently remove any glass fragments and thoroughly clean your car’s interior.
Even if you need power window repair, we’re still the best option you’ve got.
